Kristy Chowninghttp://kristychowning.com
Wed, 08 Jul 2015 06:30:50 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.9KristyChowninghttps://feedburner.google.comMy new blog adventurehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/KristyChowning/~3/dTYiAc87ISI/
http://kristychowning.com/my-new-blog-adventure/#respondThu, 17 May 2012 03:44:47 +0000http://kristychowning.com/?p=239I haven’t blogged in almost 2 years. I guess that can happen when you move and have your third baby. I’m at it again though. This time with company. I am honored to launch this endeavor with the most amazing friend, Jessica Wolstenholm. She is someone I relate to, look up to, and live life with, even though we live in different states. Grace for moms is launched and full of fun giveaways. Come check it out.

]]>http://kristychowning.com/my-new-blog-adventure/feed/0http://kristychowning.com/my-new-blog-adventure/Failed adoptionhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/KristyChowning/~3/MX9KPYdTwxo/
http://kristychowning.com/failed-adoption/#commentsThu, 03 Jun 2010 05:48:59 +0000http://kristychowning.com/?p=215Three years ago, a girl in our church had gone to camp and met a girl named Britt’knee. We received a call from leaders in our church, that Britt’knee had a little girl that she was looking to have adopted . After 5 years of infertility and 2 miscarriages, we jumped at the chance. We instantly thought that maybe this little girl was the reason that we had gone through the struggle of infertility.

We called Britt’knee and after gathering as much information as we could, we began the adoption process of a 2 year old girl named Elizabeth. Britt’knee was a teenager herself, and said that she was diagnosed with leukemia. This is why she said she needed to find a permanent home for her daughter. We completed our home study, we talked with lawyers, and in the meantime decided that we would try one more infertility treatment. Thankfully we got pregnant with our miracle Savannah. But we still held out hope for Elizabeth. We went and visited Britt’knee twice. Each time we asked to meet Elizabeth, but for various reasons we were never able to meet her. I held onto the pictures that I was given, and my heart ached for this little girl. Through MANY conversations with Britt’knee, it seemed apparent that both Britt’knee and Elizabeth needed stability. We offered our home, and prepared it for their arrival. I bought clothes, bedding, toys…I wanted to be as ready as I could be for an almost 3 year old. Britt’knee said she would move here, and then last minute, she decided to go live with her sister instead. It was then that I began to accept the fact that Britt’knee didn’t really want to give her daughter up. I accepted it and moved on.

By this time, Savannah was in my arms, so it was a little easier to accept that Elizabeth wasn’t meant to be part of our family. It was still difficult though. I had fallen in love with this little girl, but I trusted that God had a plan for her as well.

Britt’knee’s story sounded like a stretch and never really lined up. I had confronted her several times, but it always ended with her shutting down. I knew that Britt’knee wasn’t telling the whole truth, but I held onto the fact that no matter what reasons Britt’knee would give, if she had a daughter that needed a home, then I was willing to put faith in the situation for Elizabeth’s sake. Britt’knee never asked us for anything, so it was hard to believe that she had anything to gain from the situation except a home for her daughter.

Fast forward 3 years, and Britt’knee comes back in the picture. Again, she is asking us to adopt her daughter. We were much more cautious this time around. I asked for a birth certificate before we proceeded with anything. We contacted a lawyer in her hometown to help facilitate the situation as a third party. Then an angel came into the picture. For the first time in three years I had contact with someone who interacted with Britt’knee in person. As Elisa and I continued to ask questions, we found ourselves with fewer and fewer answers. We determined that together we needed to get to the bottom of this.

Elisa was on the frontline with Britt’knee, and I was behind the scenes researching and gathering information. We determined that we had to have a birth certificate to verify that Britt’knee actually had a daughter. We had the form ready and filled out for Britt’knee to request an official birth certificate. Britt’knee insisted that she already had one that would work. Then I decided to call the school that Britt’knee had told me Elizabeth was attending. I spoke with the guidance counselor, who obviously wasn’t allowed to give me information about kids attending her school. When she heard my story, she was able to verify that there was no child with that name in the entire school district. Then I called the state birth certificate office and spoke with the adoption specialist. She also couldn’t give out information, however, she was able to confirm that there wasn’t a child named Elizabeth born on the birthdate we were given.

The story gets much more sorted and unbelievable, but I was determined to get the proof I needed to confront Britt’knee. After further investigation and random calls and e-mails to strangers, I finally found the truth I had been looking for. Britt’knee was lying about everything. By now, her church was involved, so I passed the information I had found, so that they could deal with it appropriately.

The church leadership had asked Britt’knee to make a public apology, and coincidentally, we were going to be vacationing just an hour away the same week. So I left Kyle and the kids and drove an hour away to come face to face with Britt’knee. The drive to this small town was a divine appointment. As I drove, I remembered it all-the conversations, the trips, the gifts, the hopes, the tears, and ultimately the dream that Elizabeth would be part of our family. I realized that I wasn’t just lied to, I was conned. Once I accepted that, I began the process of letting it all go.

I arrived at the church and tried to not see Britt’knee. Ironically, I didn’t want to make things harder for her while she was preparing to make a public apology. She stood up in front of the congregation and apologized for lying to everyone. The pastor had several women pray with Britt’knee afterwards, and it was then that I felt the Holy Spirit tell me it was time to make my presence known. I walked to the front of the church and waited until Britt’knee opened her eyes. Needless to say, I think she was surprised to see me there. She told me she was sorry. God gave me a chance to face the situation. I had a choice to either confront her or forgive her. I could have vented my feelings, frustrations, and opinions and then judged whether or not Britt’knee was truly repentant or not, but that wasn’t why God had brought me to this point. I hugged her and told her that I hoped that she meant it and then I then forgave her.

I was able to talk with her after the service, but by then, I knew my purpose for coming was completed. I have learned a lot through all of this, and my journey to confront Britt’knee was no different. Forgiveness is a choice and it isn’t dependent on how sorry or repentant a person is. God calls us to forgive because we have been forgiven, not because someone is repentant. Granted if someone isn’t repentant, then that may come with new boundaries in the relationship, but all in all, forgiveness is our choice to give. It really is true…the truth sets us free! Now I’m truly free from the entire situation. I may never know why God had us walk through all of that, or why I didn’t discover the truth earlier, but I do know this–God had my back through it all.

]]>http://kristychowning.com/failed-adoption/feed/3http://kristychowning.com/failed-adoption/On the other side of infertility….or so I thought.http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/KristyChowning/~3/UyiYxHJnqJQ/
http://kristychowning.com/on-the-other-side-of-infertility-or-so-i-thought/#commentsSat, 06 Mar 2010 07:04:19 +0000http://kristychowning.com/?p=207After struggling with infertility for so many years, when I finally held my baby girl, one thing became evident. The struggle was well worth it. However, in the midst of the struggle, I wrestled with uncertainty, doubt, and fear. I knew I was going to be a mom, but I didn’t know how and when. I was willing to go to the ends of the earth (or the other side of it at least) to get my baby, if that was the plan God had for me. My heart ached to be a mom and it ached for my baby. Now on the other side of our struggle with infertility, I am a mom. I am blessed beyond words, and I know it.

In the midst of the struggle, I remember thinking…”if my child were here right now and I had to do whatever it took to keep them alive, then I would do it without question, so why is this any different?” I believed that I was fighting for their life, before it even began. Now every time I look into those blue eyes, or feel the little tug of my pantleg, or get a request for a “hug” or to “hold you”, I am so thankful that God gave me that perspective.

I keep a running prayer log of people that I know that are in that same fight. It is such a joy when I get to mark them off of my list…because it means that they have welcomed a child into their family. Although now, I’ve had to put some of those friends back on the list. They are moms already, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t still contending for a child, another one. When God places a desire for a child in your heart, it is very real—whether it’s the first, third, or fifth. So don’t say to someone, “well at least they have so and so (referring to their first child). Although they may not be battling for their identity as a parent, they are contending for life and for their family.

The way in which a family has to fight doesn’t matter either. The struggle is still real. I’ve seen adoptions fail or simply not come through, and the emotions are so similar to that of infertility. You feel loss and uncertainty, and yet you cling to hope believing for that next member of the family. It was always frustrating to me when people would flippantly say “Oh why don’t you just adopt?” I always wanted to respond. “Really? Because it’s that easy?” I was always open to adoption, but the process of adoption is far from clear, nor is it certain. You have no more guarantee of getting a child through adoption than you do with trying to conceive one. Sure agencies can give you a guarantee, but they can’t guarantee a child without a wait or heartache. But if your emotions can handle it, then most of the time adoption does work out.

This past week, two of my friends had miscarriages, and one of my friends admitted hopelessness after waiting for years for her adopted child — my heart aches for them. They ache for a child. God has given them a desire, and they are answering the call to contend and believe for that child.

We all have our struggles, whether it be finances, food, infertility etc,—regardless of the battle, we cannot give up! Just as we win one battle, another one is on the horizon. Don’t stop fighting and don’t give up hope. You may need to rest or even take a break, but don’t give up. In the end, it is well worth it.

]]>http://kristychowning.com/on-the-other-side-of-infertility-or-so-i-thought/feed/10http://kristychowning.com/on-the-other-side-of-infertility-or-so-i-thought/changing the way I seehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/KristyChowning/~3/l9rXAO_Xjro/
http://kristychowning.com/changing-the-way-i-see/#commentsTue, 23 Feb 2010 06:14:02 +0000http://kristychowning.com/?p=205At six years old, I vividly remember walking out of the mall and seeing leaves on the tree for the first time. It was only through my new glasses that I could see this distinction, before that it was all just a blur. At nine years, I was given the choice of getting bi-focals or wearing contacts. Hmmmm…be the fourth grader with bi-focals or get to tell all my friends that I got contacts? The choice was easy. I’ve been wearing contacts since…almost everyday of my life for the past 24 years. I need them to have clarity and to see distinction.

Today the Lord has gently reminded me that my vision has become a bit blurry again. This time it’s not my physical eyes, but my spiritual eyes. You know when you focus your eyes on one thing too long, your peripheral visions blurs? Well that is kind of what has happened to me.

Three separate situations came across my path today, and they each made me look outside my own little world. The first was a conversation I had with my doctor. We were talking about medical missions trips, and just how challenging it is to come back to America after witnessing such patience, joy, and gratitude amongst such difficult conditions. It was a reminder to me that my call to the needy is not complete. Secondly, someone posted a comment about being speechless after watching a late night show. Of course, curiosity set in and I watched it. Beyond mere confusion, I was reminded of how our culture has become increasingly comfortable with worldly pleasure. The third situation is a friend of mine going through a difficult situation. I feel so powerless to help her. I want to take away the pain and uncertainty she is facing, but all I can truly offer are my prayers and words of encouragement.

All of these situations challenged me to see differently today, and to look beyond my own little world to see the struggles that surround me. I confess. I, too often and too quickly, get caught up in my own world. I see what I want to see. But everyday God gives me opportunities to widen my focus and see more clearly.

Ironically, I’m finally getting to fulfill a dream of having my physical eyes fixed so that I no longer need contacts and glasses. (Yay for the technological advances of Lasik)! I’m giddy about the idea of actually being able to see the clock in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, it is only a physical fix. Just as I’ve grown accustomed to depending on my contacts for visual accuracy, I want to become dependent on God for spiritual clarity. I want to change the way I see.

]]>http://kristychowning.com/changing-the-way-i-see/feed/4http://kristychowning.com/changing-the-way-i-see/back to blogging?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/KristyChowning/~3/t908hG3T8XA/
http://kristychowning.com/back-to-blogging/#commentsThu, 18 Feb 2010 06:12:11 +0000http://kristychowning.com/?p=202Well….we will see. When my husband told me that my blog was gone, I was surprised how devastating that felt. I guess my blog has been a pretty good friend, and over time I took it for granted. Thankfully, we figured out a way to recover the content, but all the comments are gone. So it was a good time to start fresh…a new domain and thanks to my wonderfully creative husband a new design!

Several times I’ve tried to define the relationship with my blog. Will I be a nurse blog? Maybe a mommy blog? Should I review products? In the end, I realize that I’m no MckMama, or Pioneer Woman, or Bring the Rain, or NieNie—(all blogs that I’ve been inspired by in more ways than one), but all I am is me. It’s that simple. I’ve worried far too long about who is reading this, trying to get people to read this, or what people really think about it. Ironically, it’s similar to real life–the desire to be popular, understood, and known often taint the true version of ourselves. I make no promises about the direction or the frequency of this blog, but I promise this–my blog will be a reflection of me. So here’s to new beginnings!

]]>http://kristychowning.com/back-to-blogging/feed/5http://kristychowning.com/back-to-blogging/Prebiotics can be beneficial for formula fed babieshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/KristyChowning/~3/c0PQBzWk7ko/
http://kristychowning.com/prebiotics-can-be-beneficial-for-formula-fed-babies/#respondSun, 09 Aug 2009 05:12:47 +0000http://kristychowning.com/?p=69A recent new study suggests that giving prebiotic supplementation to full term infants resulted in more normal stool patterns and better weight gain compared to those that didn’t receive the prebiotics. Breastfed infants receive the prebiotics through the mother’s milk. The article suggests benefits but recommends further controlled studies to be done before recommending it routinely. But it’s something to think about!
]]>http://kristychowning.com/prebiotics-can-be-beneficial-for-formula-fed-babies/feed/0http://kristychowning.com/prebiotics-can-be-beneficial-for-formula-fed-babies/To be honest…http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/KristyChowning/~3/HjzTYl-yd4I/
http://kristychowning.com/to-be-honest%e2%80%a6/#commentsMon, 25 May 2009 05:14:54 +0000http://kristychowning.com/?p=73I feel inadequate. There are times in life that I feel on top of the world, and then there are times like right now when I feel inadequate, criticized, and just not enough. I feel like I try really hard to do the things I’m supposed to do. Simple things become so complicated. For instance, buying groceries is not just a trip to the store. You have to plan your meals, make your list, and don’t forget to clip coupons, oh and be sure to be environmentally conscious and bring your reusable bags, all the while toting around 2 small kids that may or may not want to be there. It’s exhausting just thinking about it! This “things to do” list is never ending, so I won’t even attempt to type one out.

Sometimes it just feels like there isn’t enough of me to go around, or maybe there just isn’t enough hours in a day, or maybe I just don’t have the energy to be superwoman. Either way, something falls short. In all of this, I recognize that I’m selfish with my time. I know I could be more efficient and more organized, and maybe it is times like this that motivate me to be just that–more than I already am. I want to be the mom and wife that takes care of everything and does it well. I know that my lack of organization annoys my husband and to some degree it baffles me as well. I’m typically an organized person, but lately it just hasn’t been high on the priority list.

I will admit it, I want to be superwoman. You know who I am talking about. The woman that has it all together, the one who manages her household, raises her kids, takes care of herself, and doesn’t even seem to bat an eye doing it. I try to be that woman, but in the end, no such woman exists. There may be women that look like they are superwoman, but they too fall short from such a title. So I’m left trying to be me. The ‘me’ that knows there is always room for improvement, but is trying desperately to find peace and contentment with who God made me to be. It is such a process of finding out just who that ‘me’ is though. I used to think I knew myself pretty well, but I really knew the ‘me’ that I wanted to be, not the original ‘me’. I knew the ‘me’ that I wanted others to see. Now in my thirties, I’m becoming more and more content discovering the ‘me’ that God made….inadequacies and all.

P.S. Note to self—Don’t forget to work out, read your bible, and FLOSS. Kristy you have to take care of yourself!

]]>http://kristychowning.com/to-be-honest%e2%80%a6/feed/1http://kristychowning.com/to-be-honest%e2%80%a6/The Bomb Momhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/KristyChowning/~3/r4UIQOKx0YQ/
http://kristychowning.com/the-bomb-mom/#respondThu, 07 May 2009 05:16:16 +0000http://kristychowning.com/?p=75A friend of mine just started a new clothing line targeted to cool moms. So if you are one, or if you know of one, check out their giveaway! Guys you could submit entries too and give the prize to your wife!
]]>http://kristychowning.com/the-bomb-mom/feed/0http://kristychowning.com/the-bomb-mom/Bumbleride giveawayhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/KristyChowning/~3/EEeyiK7E8Xg/
http://kristychowning.com/bumbleride-giveaway/#respondThu, 23 Apr 2009 05:16:57 +0000http://kristychowning.com/?p=77I’ve written about the dilemma of trying to find the perfect double stroller before, and 3kidandus is giving away a Bumbleride! From what she says, it comes close to being perfect. So check it out and maybe you will win!

]]>http://kristychowning.com/bumbleride-giveaway/feed/0http://kristychowning.com/bumbleride-giveaway/Recipe appshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/KristyChowning/~3/1fQSczO--Ek/
http://kristychowning.com/recipe-apps/#respondTue, 07 Apr 2009 05:17:56 +0000http://kristychowning.com/?p=79My husband finally convinced me to get an Iphone. I know, I know, twist my arm. I usually hesitate with the latest techno gadget, but I’m learning that it’s inevitable, so I might as well embrace it.

On a side note, when we were first married, I remember my husband telling me that I needed a cell phone. He had one, so I didn’t see the point in having one, because we could just share right? Well we all know how that worked out. Now I talk on the phone more than him, and I wonder why we even have a house phone.

Anyway, back to the iphone…I love organization, but my perfectionism often prevents me from finding the ‘perfect’ way to organize. Recipes are one of those things that I have yet to figure out how to keep organized…but not electronically. MacGourmet is a software system that categorizes recipes and allows you to ‘clip’ new recipes. You can then plan your meals and it will create a shopping list for you. Pretty sweet…except sometimes I never take the time to actually do it. The good news is that macgourmet has an app for my phone. It syncs with my computer automatically. So now all my recipes and shopping lists are on my phone!

I also utilize Allrecipes.com quite often. Just this week Allrecipes.com came out with a dinner spinner app. Not only does it give you access to all of its recipes, but it also allows you to choose your categories and your time allowances, and it will give you recipe matches. How sweet is that!